More than 50 percent of non-drivers over age 65 do not leave home most days, partly because of a lack of transportation options.

Source: Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices, December 2011

The number of villages is increasing because the population of people over 65 is rapidly increasing. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, the population of seniors in the U.S. will almost double between 2006 and 2030. Seniors will make up 20% of the U.S. population by 2050. At the same time, public services are being reduced and many communities are completely unprepared to handle the housing, medical, social, transportation and other needs of its citizens as they age. Villages are helping to fill this gap.

UC Berkeley Research on Villages

Villages have already attracted a good deal of interest, from AARP and the White House Council on Aging to several research institutions. These agencies and organizations are generating hard data from research which is measuring village effectiveness and spurring new attitudes toward how we view aging.

Villages are the subject of a multi-year study by the University of California (UC), Berkeley, School of Social Welfare. In one recent study of 282 members in five California villages, 75% of the participants reported that village membership increased their ability to age in place. It also reduced social isolation, improved well-being, and increased confidence to remain living in the community.

The UC Berkeley preliminary study of village members found:

92% felt a sense of belonging

54% felt more connected

87% liked having someone to call for getting help

55% called and were able to get more help

"A study of village members found that 87% liked having someone to call for getting help." University of California, Berkeley, School of Social Welfare

Please click on any of the following links to learn more about villages across the United States:

Sierra Foothills Village

The Sierra Foothills Village, serving communities in Nevada County, is a locally governed, non-profit membership organization that can help people “age in place.” Members call one familiar phone number to receive assistance from people who know them. Members get personalized help finding programs and services to make social connections, support health and medical needs, and promote independence and a meaningful life.

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